Friday, April 3, 2015

The Disposal


Well, the downsizing process is nearing completion.  We have Moved (sorted, packed, moved to new location, unpacked and designed); shipped desired treasures to the Family; sold unwanted items via the Sell to Auction houses, dealers, and on-line; and Donated items of value to our preferred charity.  The last component of downsizing is the Disposal.  Sounds easy, but the process is somewhat comprehensive if done correctly.

Our goal during the Disposal is to rid the home of all remaining items while attempting to recycle as much of the Disposal as possible.  The first step is to collect all hazardous material (which includes paints, insecticides, cleaning material, oil, etc.) and deliver them to a reclamation center.  Generally, the city site will allow maybe 50 pounds to be unloaded at no costs with an incremental cost per pound over the free allotment.  Disposing hazardous material in the trash is illegal and irresponsible to our environment.

Much of the remaining items can be recycled by the local community waste management company.  For example; cardboard, glass, cans, metal, leaves, and grass should be staged at the curb during your neighborhood recycle day.  Most recycle containers have a listing of the acceptable items for recycling.  If the recycling is significant and much larger than a normal week of disposal, it is wise to notify your waste management provider so there is no problem with the pick-up.

After recycling and hazardous material have been addressed, everything else needs to be trashed.  Generally, the easiest and most cost effective way is to utilize the waste management provider that services your neighborhood.  As with the recycling, a phone call is appropriate if you have a substantial amount of trash for pick-up.  The provider will ask about the number of boxes/bags for pick-up.  They will also inquire about large items like mattresses, cabinets, carpeting, etc.  Each of the larger items has a disposal dollar amount and they will itemize your list and bill you accordingly.  Don’t try and under estimate your items because you run a real risk of not having the provider pick-up the undeclared items.  Lastly, appliances usually need to be picked-up by an appliance recycle company.  Large televisions can be delivered to Best Buy (32” max) or a local television recycle center. All computer and electrical items should be disposed of at an electronics recycling center.

Now that everything is out of the home, it is appropriate to broom clean the floors, vacuum, clean the counters/bathrooms, and ensure the exterior of the home is presentable.  Any items that stay with the home (wood, shingles, and paint) should be orderly.  Remember, the buyer will do a final walk through of the property and if contents are excessive, the buyer can delay closing until the items are removed to an acceptable level.

The home is now ready to place on the market or it is ready to occupy for the new homeowners.  Wow, it has been a tremendous amount of work.  But, the process is complete and everyone can settle and enjoy their new surroundings and consolidated treasures.  It is a very freeing feeling! And as senior move managers, it is very rewarding to see the seniors go from overwhelmed to overjoyed.